During the 1950s and 1960s, Montréal was becoming increasingly modernized. It is well known that the municipal administration had a considerable influence on this modernization. However, the perspectives of exterior actors have often been ignored. As such, this thesis examines the opinions of the Chambre de commerce de Montréal (the city’s francophone chamber of commerce) on the modernization of Québec’s metropolis during the above-mentioned decades. The main source that was used for this study was the Chambre’s weekly publication, Commerce-Montréal.
The first chapter examines the Chambre’s opinions on municipal governance. It shows that, for the Chambre, the modernization of Montréal required the elimination of corrupt political practices and an increase in government efficiency. The second chapter studies traffic flow. It explains the Chambre’s positions on measures aimed at increasing the speed of traffic. The organization saw this as crucial to the modernization of the city. The third chapter discusses urban development. According to the Chambre, Montréal’s modernization necessitated a renewal of both its residential and commercial built environment.
Studying these three themes confirmed that, from 1950 to 1970, the Chambre de commerce contributed to the debates concerning the modernization of Montréal, advocating in favour of it. It is also evident that the organization, despite its desire to appear apolitical, was influenced by its position as representative of the francophone business community. In particular, the Chambre’s emphasis on the profitability of modernization, as well as its focus on social stratification (regarding certain issues) attest to the organization’s conservative nature.